Wider bars on zesty 514?

itguy2

Hi everyone

I've just got a new 514 and all of the reviews I've read talk about how ripe it is for upgrading etc. I've never had a bike with bars wider than 680 and my old Crush has 680 high rise and a 50mm stem.

So, what real advantage would i see in wider 720 bars? Easton Haven Carbons or similar I presume?

I presume I'd be best leaving the lapierre stem on, I think its a 70mm?

I guess my question is a quick guide to stems/handlebars !

cooldad

Do the current bars feel too narrow?

nicklouse

itguy2 wrote:

So, what real advantage would i see in wider 720 bars? Easton Haven Carbons or similar I presume?

I presume I'd be best leaving the lapierre stem on, I think its a 70mm?

I guess my question is a quick guide to stems/handlebars !

it will move your riding position forward.

jairaj

itguy2 wrote:

I presume I'd be best leaving the lapierre stem on, I think its a 70mm?

I was under the impression you normally compensate for the wider bar with a shorter stem. But its no exact science more personal preference.

As the bike is new I'd spend some time getting used to it and maybe think about kit changes once I got to know it properly. Otherwise you could me making changes that aren't needed or even possibly changes for the worse.

BigAirNig

I used to use Easton Monkeylite bars (685mm I think) with a 90mm Thomson stem and noticed a fair amount of flex, although the trail dampening of vibration via the bars was superbly comfortable.

When I moved to Race Face SixC bars at 725mm wide with a Hope 70mm stem the difference was noticeable. My descending confidence improved and I was hitting things that I didn't feel I had enough control over previously. I felt an increase in front end stiffness and 'tracking' over rough stuff.

I have recently moved to Easton Havoc Carbon bars @ 750mm wide with a Haven 55mm stem and love it. Finally feel I have got it about right on my Rocky Mountain Altitude (140mm travel front & rear).

The Easton Haven bars you mention are 711mm wide I believe.

Going for a wider bar moves your weight slightly further forward, due to the opening up of your arms/chest, so often people go for a shorter stem when they get wider bars, but I guess it's all down to body shape/size compared to the fit of your bike.

YeehaaMcgee

itguy2 wrote:

Hi everyone

I've just got a new 514

Then go and ride it.
In time, you may discover that there's some things you want to change about it. Maybe not.

itguy2

Thanks everyone - yes, I have been riding it.

I suppose I was interested as all the zesty reviews I've read suggest that it's what the bike needs, not because I have a particular need or want to change them at this moment.

I'll see how I get on and take it from there

lostboysaint

itguy2 wrote:

Thanks everyone - yes, I have been riding it.

I suppose I was interested as all the zesty reviews I've read suggest that it's what the bike needs, not because I have a particular need or want to change them at this moment.

I'll see how I get on and take it from there

That's 'cos it's a very trendy thing to say.

bennett_346

I fear another classic case of "the magazines say to fit a wider bar and shorter stem so it must be better for everyone".

Along with how 1x10 will improve your sex life and a dropper post will enlarge the vegetable.

YeehaaMcgee

bennett_346 wrote:

I fear another classic case of "the magazines say to fit a wider bar and shorter stem so it must be better for everyone".

Along with how 1x10 will improve your sex life and a dropper post will enlarge the vegetable.

I believe it's called "MBR syndrome".

bennett_346

That's the one.